2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to the brand's glory days with its large, shiny, and impressive design. After a period of decline, Buick found its footing by offering globally sourced and rebadged GM vehicles. The Enclave stood out as the largest of Buick's SUV lineup, offering a luxurious and spacious interior that appealed to consumers' preference for SUVs. In Canada, the Enclave was available in Essence, Premium, and Avenir trims, with prices ranging from just over $48,000 to $62,000, excluding destination charges. The Avenir trim added a touch of elegance with a unique grille, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, while the interior boasted organic forms, minimalist controls, and soft leather, though the wood accents were not genuine.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee presented a fresh take on a classic design, drawing inspiration from Jeep's heritage while offering modern features. The new two-row Grand Cherokee was a sportier version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, with a lineup that included Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve trims. Prices ranged from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding destination charges. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee offered a range of luxurious features, from quilted leather seats to a McIntosh audio system, with a focus on comfort and quality across all trims.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. Front-wheel drive was standard on the Essence trim in Canada, while all-wheel drive was available on higher trims. The Enclave's towing capacity reached 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped. The SUV's suspension, especially with the Avenir Technology Package, provided a smooth and comfortable ride across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with our testing averaging 11.1 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine, delivering 357 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kilograms, while the V8 could tow up to 3,265 kilograms. Three 4WD systems were available, with Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II catering to different off-roading needs. Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 14.1 L/100 km with the V8 to 11.3 L/100 km with the V6. The Grand Cherokee excelled in off-road capabilities, particularly the Trailhawk trim, which featured advanced off-roading equipment and technology.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious amenities such as power-adjustable seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,764 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable experience for both driver and passengers, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims offered additional features like ventilated seats and massagers. The redesign improved visibility, enhancing driver confidence. While rear-seat space was somewhat limited, the Grand Cherokee offered 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L variant offered more space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system fell short compared to competitors. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard, with options for a McIntosh audio system and a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. The front passenger interactive display was a standout feature, enhancing the passenger experience.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were restricted to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, available on Premium and Avenir trims, added features like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee boasted an impressive array of advanced driver assistance systems, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022. The Grand Cherokee's safety features and structural improvements aimed to enhance crash protection.